God of life and breath, you are our source of hope:
+ We give thanks for your gifts of life and love;
+ sustain us when we are feeling weary, broken, lost, or frightened;
+ open our hearts and minds to hear your word and call;
+ reform in us what needs reforming;
+ inspire us to be your hands and voice in your world;
+ strengthen us to take action to seek justice for our neighbors;
+ grant us courage and creativity to joyfully share your Good News.
We pray for your world and your people:
+ As we enter Native American Heritage Month, we praise God for our Native American and Alaska Native neighbors and siblings in Christ, who represent a rich diversity of gifts, backgrounds, tribes, regions, communities and congregations, and whose history long predates the colonization of North America. We pray for the work of ELCA Indigenous Ministries and Tribal Relations in seeking justice and reconciliation for all people, celebrating diversity within Christ’s unifying love and supporting Native congregations and ministries.
+ We plead that you renew and strengthen our commitment and courage to face the painful truth of gun violence in our country — to prevent gun violence. Guide us as we attend to traumatized individuals, families, and communities. Embolden us to advocate for common-sense gun safety laws. (As was lifted up at our synod assembly, find the 1994 the ELCA social message Community Violence, calling for advocacy to end the cycle of violence in the U.S. Find more information and resources HERE.)
+ Our prayers continue for the fear, loss, and devastation in war-torn areas of our world. May a wise peaceful path be found and followed soon. We pray for all who are in danger and all who have had to flee their homes. We pray for those families who have lost loved ones. Loving God, may your peace reign.
+ We pray for those who are without home or shelter. We lift up the ministries in our synod working to help create and provide better access to shelter and care.
We pray for those who are grieving:
+ Gracious God, wrap your arms of love and hope around all who are experiencing any kind of loss, disconnection, or brokenness;
+ We pray for those whose relationships are ending - wrap them in your love and care.
+ We continue to hold in prayer Cathie Coffman and family following the death of her husband, the Rev. William (Bill) Coffman (retired) on Sunday, October 2. (Prior to their move to Oregon, Bill had served in our synod - First of Richmond Beach, Bethlehem in Seattle, Immanuel in Seattle, and as Assistant to the Bishop of the North Pacific District (ALC). His memorial service will be November 6 at 4pm at St. James Lutheran Church in Portland. Livestream will be available - check their website: https://stjamespdx.org/. Cards of care may be sent to 905 Harbour Dr. #13, Portland, OR 97217.)
We pray for all who are in need of healing and strength:
+ We pray for those who are facing ongoing health concerns:
Abi Griffith (daughter of Rev. Eric Griffith), Dn. Nan Beth Walton, and Rev. Ron Melver.
+ We pray for our neighbors who are fearful or in danger in their relationships. Sustain those who protect, support, and advocate for people who are experiencing domestic violence. (Reach out here for help: https://wscadv.org/get-help-now/)
We pray for your church:
+ As we celebrate All Saints Day, we give thanks and praise to God for saints who have helped enrich our faith in Christ, inspired us to lives of service, cared for us, demonstrated grace when we needed it most, taught us life skills, influenced our values and stirred our hope and joy.
+ From our prayer calendar, we pray for these ministries and their rostered leaders:
-- Good Shepherd Lutheran Church (at Swan's Trail in Snohomish) and Deacon Liz Colver (Care Minister) and Rev. Erik Samuelson (Transition Minister)
-- University Lutheran Church (Seattle) and the Pastoral Transition Team: Rev. Carol Jensen, Rev. Gary Dalenius, and Rev. Tim Wolbrecht;
-- for our Synod Council as they gather for a retreat this Friday-Saturday;
-- our Companion Synod: The Evangelical Lutheran Church in European Russia;
-- the Northeastern Pennsylvania Synod and their bishop, the Rev. Christopher deForest
+ We lift up Lutherwood Camp and Retreat Center (Bellingham) their current staff and board leaders as they enter a time of leadership transition and as they prepare to hold their annual auction this Saturday. (Learn more HERE)
+ We give thanks to God for these gifted Rostered Ministers celebrating major ministry milestones during the month of November:
-- 15 years: Deacon Tammy Zarfos
-- 40 years: Rev. Robert Beike and Rev. Marillyn Schultz
(Watch this celebration video, featuring all 2022 anniversary folks shown at our June synod assembly)
+ We give thanks for the many years of service of our retired pastors & deacons. This week we celebrate these retired ministers: Rev. Kenneth Daugs, Rev. Jay Decker, and Richard Edmonds.
-- we pray for the leaders who are guiding ministries in a time of transition: transition teams, call committees, transition ministers, care pastors, congregation staff and lay leaders, and synod staff;
-- we pray for Columbia City Church of Hope (Seattle) as they held their final worship service in their current building and prepare to gather in temporary spaces during the completion of a new project on their property. (They are partnering with El Centro de la Raza to redevelop their block into affordable housing, childcare, and a new space for the church. In this transition time, they will be meeting 1st & 3rd Sundays on Zoom; 2nd & 4th Sundays in-person at Kin On Community Center.)
-- we pray for all who are in discernment and/or awaiting call.
May our prayers rise before you as incense.
+ Your mercy is everlasting and your faithfulness endures from age to age;
+ Sustain, uplift, and encourage us as we live into your calling;
+ Trusting in your mercy and grace, we lift our prayers to you.
Amen.
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Please note: direct permission is needed prior to inclusion.
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